David J. Valesky's posts related to Firefighters

ALBANY, N.Y.— Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) applauded the State Senate’s passage of legislation that will protect volunteer emergency responders from being terminated from their paid employment for missing work time due to performing those duties. The bill passed with unanimous bipartisan support, which speaks to the strength of the bill.

"Legislation like this allows us to protect the jobs of our hardworking volunteer responders, so that they can continue to protect our communities," said Senator Valesky.

ALBANY, N.Y.— The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) that will extend cardiovascular health benefits for volunteer firefighter an additional five years.

“Our volunteer firefighters provide an invaluable service to New York State and our individual communities,” said Senator Valesky. “We owe it to them to ensure they have adequate health coverage to continue to serve their communities.”

ALBANY, N.Y.— Governor David Paterson signed legislation sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) that will extend cardiovascular health benefits for volunteer firefighters an additional five years (S.2769A).

“Everyday volunteer firefighters across New York put their lives on the line to protect our communities,” said Senator David Valesky. “Extending their benefits enables them to continue to protect the places they live, without compensating their health coverage.”

According to the law, firefighters stricken with heart problems while performing their duty are allowed to claim benefits unless substantial evidence is given that their activity as a firefighter did not cause the heart disease.

The New York State Legislature has completed passage of an on-time budget for the second year in a row. Though it was another challenging budget, requiring the closure of a $3.5 billion deficit, we were able to balance the budget without tax increases or fiscal gimmickry. In addition, overall spending was reduced for the second straight year, the frist time this has happened in at least three decades.

ALBANY, NY—State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) today lauded the passage of the state’s fourth and historic consecutive on-time budget. This has not been accomplished with the same Governor and legislative leaders in more than 40 years.